Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Asteraceae

Genus:

Helichrysum

Species:

Helichrysum formosissimum

USDA Symbol:

HEFO7

Growth Characteristics

Height:

60 cm

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jan,feb,mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov,dec

Bloom Colors:

yellow

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

butterflies, bees

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from rootstock after fire; common in fire-prone fynbos and grassland habitats in southern Africa.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to rocky slopes and grasslands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Surface sow; seeds require light for germination. Germinates best at warm temperatures around 20-25°C.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI